NEOSEC News
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Ocean Literacy Summit The New England Ocean Science Education
Collaborative (NEOSEC) will host ocean scientists,
science writers, educators, education administrators and policymakers at Boston University for the Second Ocean Literacy Summit, November 7, 2008. A collaboration among a range of institutions from across
the region, NEOSEC has identified global
climate change as the topic for this year's Summit. Registration is now open. For details, visit online. Please email Catherine Cramer
if you would like more information
as it becomes available. Curious about the First Ocean Literacy Summit? Visit online. |
Partner News
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What's In the Gulf of Maine? A recent article from sunjournal.com explores new discoveries about the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and features work by the Census of Marine Life - Gulf of Maine Area and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Read the article.
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Reports, Publications, Announcements
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Stellwagen Plan Comment Period Extended NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has extended the period for public comment on the draft management plan and draft environmental assessment for the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS) to Oct. 3, 2008. Comments on the draft management plan and draft environmental assessment may be emailed to sbplan@noaa.gov. Copies of the plan can be downloaded from the sanctuary website.
Recruitment for Stellwagen Advisory Council The SBNMS is seeking applicants for the newly vacant Conservation seat on its Sanctuary Advisory Council as well as the alternate seat for the At-Large member. Application packages are available on the sanctuary website. Application packages must be received by close of business day September 15, 2008. |
Policy Matters
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Ocean Governance Bill Introduced Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) recently introduced S. 3314, the National Oceans Protection Act. Originally introduced in the 109th Congress, the bill addresses the recommendations of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and the Pew Oceans Commission, but unlike its predecessor, it has been pared down substantially to focus on ocean governance, research, education and funding. S. 3314 would provide for a comprehensive national ocean policy, strengthened national leadership and regional ocean governance, expanded ocean research and education and increased funding for ocean management.
Oceans Bills Rolled Into Senate Omnibus Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) consolidated more than thirty different bills on a variety of topics, ranging from health to foreign relations to the environment, into an omnibus bill, S. 4297. Of relevance to coasts and oceans, the omnibus bill contains S. 3160, a reauthorization of the National Sea Grant Program, S. 2844, a reauthorization of the BEACH Act for states to test beach waters for contaminants, S. 950, to authorize the National Integrated Oceans Observing System, S. 39, an ocean and coastal exploration bill, and S. 1581, to require federal agencies to collaborate and create a new program to research and monitor the effects of ocean acidification. |
Online Ocean Education Resources
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In Search of Giant Squid Curriculum Guide Compiled by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Aeronautics and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2006. Geared for 5-8 grade students with special "roadmaps" for older or younger audiences. Includes detailed lesson plans, instructive websites, student worksheets, and comprehensive teacher answer keys. Also incorporates fascinating illustrations and instructive maps. Download the free curriculum guide.
Shedd Aquarium Activity Guides The Shedd Aquarium offers several Activity Guides as
downloadable files.
The topics include coral reefs, fishes, oceans and more.
See the New Bridge The Bridge celebrated its tenth birthday by revamping the look of the website. Unveiled at this year's NMEA conference, the Bridge contains over 1000 teacher-reviewed websites and easy-to-use navigation. Visit The Bridge.
Coral Reef Ecosystems This new website from the National Park Service is a
collaboration between Ocean and Coastal Resources Branch and the Office of
Outreach and Education. Ten National
Parks with coral reefs attract more than 1.5 million visits per year. The website offers links to the
parks, NPS articles about coral reefs, and more.
Oceans for Life Lesson Plans and Videos NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary Program has launched a
series of marine education lesson plans highlighting cutting-edge research,
maritime heritage, cultural resources, and environmental issues in the national
marine sanctuaries. Designed for K-12
teachers and marine educators, the Oceans
for Life series of lessons and videos gives students an opportunity to
explore the history, biology, and ecology of the National Marine Sanctuary
System. The lesson plans and videos were developed in collaboration with National
Geographic Society's Oceans for Life program and are aligned with educational
standards and literacy principals. Download the lesson plans and videos.
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Seminars, Workshops, Online Courses
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Summer Workshop for Educators on Cape Cod WHOI's Topics in Oceanography presents: Happy as a Clam? How Do We Know? The secret lives of shellfish in our coastal waters,
a hands-on workshop presented by William Walton, fisheries and
aquaculture specialist with Woods Hole Sea Grant and Cape Cod
Cooperative Extension. The workshop will be held Friday, August 22,
2008, 9am-2:30pm. Meet at Scudder's Landing, Barnstable, Cape Cod. For
directions and information, and to register, visit online or contact Kate Madin.
American Museum of Natural History Online Courses The AMNH offers two sessions of Seminars on Science this fall. These online courses may be taken for graduate credit. Included is a course on The Ocean System. Registration for the first session ends August 18.
Ocean
Iron Fertilization Teleconference Seminar NOAA's Seminars on Science presents: Carbon
sequestration through ocean iron fertilization: A review of the major
issues, given by Anand Gnanadeskian (Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
Laboratory, Princeton, N.J.) Wednesday September 10, noon-1pm EDT. Fertilizing the ocean with iron ("the Geritol solution") has been
proposed as a method of removing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
This talk will discuss how ocean biology stores carbon in the ocean,
how iron fertilization might enhance this storage, consider some of the
challenges to verifying changes in storage, and highlight some
potential unintended consequences of fertilization. For teleconference
and further information contact Mary Lou Cumberpatch.
Oceanography for Educators in Rhode Island This oceanography course, designed for educators, offers a breadth of information across the ocean science disciplines, including properties of seawater, structure of the oceans, atmospheric and oceanic interactions, coastal processes, and marine life. Discussions will include the geologic and ecologic history of Rhode Island's coastal environments. Saturday field sessions will cover Rhode Island's four distinct coastal ecosystems with hands-on field activities. Projects include development of inquiry-based activities for use in the classroom. The course is held at the Coastal Institute, URI Narragansett Bay Campus, including seven Wednesday classroom sessions, 4-6:30pm (September 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 28, November 5, 12) AND three 6-hour Saturday field sessions, 9am to 3pm (September 27, October 4, 18). Registration through the Narragansett Bay Classroom is required.
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Funding Opportunities
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Ocean Exploration Funding The NOAA Ocean Exploration Program announces
three FY09 Office of Ocean Exploration funding opportunities:
Ocean Exploration, Marine Archeology, and Education and Outreach. The deadline for pre-proposals is August 29,
2008. Download the application.
Global Climate Change Education Project NASA's Office of Education, in cooperation with NASA's Science Mission Directorate, is soliciting proposals for the NASA Global Climate Change Education project. The project is designed to improve the quality of global climate change and Earth system science education at the elementary, secondary, and undergraduate levels. Each funded proposal is expected to take advantage of NASA's unique contributions in climate science to enhance students' academic experiences and/or to improve educators' abilities to engage and stimulate their students. The Notice of Intent is due August 29, 2008. Details online.
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Jobs in New England (and beyond)
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Marine Science Instructors and Interns, Florida The Newfound Harbor Marine Institute at Seacamp is currently hiring Marine Science Instructors and Marine Science Education Interns for the upcoming Fall 2008 season in Big Pine Key, FL. Newfound Harbor Marine Institute is a nonprofit, residential, environmental educational organization offering marine science activities to visiting elementary, secondary, college, and adult groups. More information online.
Fisheries Education Specialist, California This is a temporary
one-year contract position through the Monterey Bay Sanctuary
Foundation with possible extensions as funding allows. The Fisheries
Education Specialist primary duties are to work with sanctuary staff
and their partners to administer and continue development of the Voices
of the Bay fisheries education and outreach program. The Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation was founded in 1995 to enhance the understanding and protection of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and other coastal and ocean resources of California.
Marine Sanctuary Executive Director, California The Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association is seeking a new Executive Director. Job description available online.
Foundation Senior Program Officer, California The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is seeking a Senior Program Officer who will oversee a portfolio of grants within its Marine Conservation Initiative, which seeks to ensure resilient and productive marine ecosystems in British Columbia, the California Current ecosystem, and New England. The ideal candidate will have ten to fifteen years work experience in a leadership role in marine conservation policy, science, or economics. For more information or to apply visit online. |
Requests
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NOAA Seeks Comments on Draft Education Strategic Plan NOAA is revising its Education Strategic Plan. The draft Plan establishes goals for NOAA education for the next twenty years as specified by the America COMPETES Act, which gives NOAA broad legislative authority from Congress to develop, support, promote, and coordinate education activities to enhance public awareness and understanding of ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, and atmospheric science. Comments on the draft Plan must be received by 5pm on August 29. To read the draft Plan visit online. |
Student Opportunities
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MS PHD'S Professional Development Program NSF and NASA support the Minorities Striving and Pursuing
Higher Degrees of Success in Earth System Science (MS PHD'S) Professional
Development Program. The program
provides professional development experiences that facilitate the advancement
of minorities committed to achieving Earth system science careers. The program includes mentoring and networking
activities for minority undergraduate and graduate Earth system science and
engineering majors; and provides a supportive environment in which participants
develop strategies and professional skills necessary to excel in Earth system
science and engineering fields. The
deadline for application is September 1, 2008. More information online.
Clean Marina Program Intern The Cape Cod and Massachusetts Marine Trades Associations are seeking an intern to develop resources that support the Massachusetts Clean Marina Program. The intern will compile resources developed by Clean Marina Certification Programs in other states, identify needs for improving regulatory compliance in Massachusetts, and develop new resources to move Massachusetts towards the development and implementation of a Clean Marina Certification Program. See the full job posting. Applications will be accepted until an intern is selected.
Marine Educator Intern Herring Gut Learning Center, an aquaculture and marine science education center located in Port Clyde, Maine, seeks an intern to assist in the development and instruction of marine science and aquaculture outreach and summer camp programs; and for the acquisition, care, and maintenance of the marine specimens necessary to implement these programs and activities. This opportunity is from January 5, 2009 through August 21, 2009. Closing date for applications is December 31, 2008. For more information, contact Maryanne Vanasse. |
Conferences
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New England Environmental Education Conference On October 3-5, the 2008 New England Environmental Education Alliance Conference, A Journey Home: Fostering Ecologically Centered Communities, will be held in Hancock, New Hampshire. The conference will take a close look at strategies for communities built around basic ecological principles. Conference strands will explore approaches for creating and nurturing communities through systems thinking.
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Calendar
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We are happy to include events from around New England. If you would like your organization's event published here, please send the information to the editor, Catherine Cramer. Thanks!
Boston Harbor Islands Intertidal Bioblitz You are invited to participate in an Intertidal Bioblitz on Monday, August 18, exploring intertidal diversity on Boston Harbor Islands. Scientists and professional naturalists will explore selected islands during the morning tide and/or evening, and the public is invited to join in exploring Thompson and Lovells Islands in the afternoon/early evening. For more information and to register for the open afternoon bioblitz, select "Intertidal Bioblitz (Afternoon)" in the list of Public Events online.
Science Made Public at WHOI The WHOI Ocean Science Exhibit Center and Information Office are sponsoring a series of public talks by WHOI scientists and engineers. Designed for a lay audience, this series is a great opportunity to learn more about WHOI science. All talks are held on Tuesdays at 2:30 at the WHOI Ocean Science Exhibit Center Auditorium.
August 19 Causes and Impacts of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning, Mindy Richlen, Biology Department
August 26 Right Whale Auto Detection Buoy Network, John Kemp, Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering Department
Seabird and Whale Tale Cruise
The New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance and Bridgewater State College
are hosting the fall edition of Seabird and Whale Tales, September 7, 8am-6pm. Join wildlife experts Wayne Petersen of Massachusetts Audubon
Society, David Clapp of Natural History Services and Dr. John C. Jahoda
of Bridgewater State College as they lead this excursion to view
coastal marine wildlife. Leave from Plymouth Town Pier. To learn more
about this trip or to download the registration form visit online.
Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival On Saturday,
October 4, 5-9pm, Friends of Casco Bay will host
the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film
Festival in Abromson
Auditorium on University of Southern Maine's Portland campus. This
family-friendly event features a selection of films, from animated
shorts to full-length documentaries. Film, ticket, and sponsorship information available online. |
NEwswave Schedule
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The next issue of NEwswave will be sent September 4, 2008. Please send announcements and news to the editor, Catherine Cramer.
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Include Your News in NEwswave!
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Send news and announcements of interest to the New England Ocean Science Education community to the editor, Catherine Cramer.
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Ocean Debris Public Service Announcements
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The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, NOAA and other partners announce a campaign of public service announcements to focus on reducing ocean debris. Watch a campaign preview video.
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Coastsweep
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Become a COASTSWEEP Volunteer!
Join thousands of fellow Massachusetts residents as they take to the beaches, marshes, and rivers to reduce marine debris. Cleanups are being held around the state, including a kickoff at Salisbury Beach on September 20. Visit online
for more information and to find a cleanup near you.
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New from Oceanus
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Naomi Levine is tracking how the oceans absorbs carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that is warming the Earth, and how the ocean is venting dimethylsulfide, a gas that helps make clouds that help cool the planet.
Read the story.
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SeaWeb Publications
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Recent SeaWeb Marine Science Reviews on Pathogens, Introduced Species, Marine Mammals, Pollution, Coral and Coral Reefs, and Climate and Climate Change are available online.
Also available is the latest issue of Ocean Update.
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Include Your News in NEwswave
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| Send your news and announcements of interest to the New England ocean science education community to the editor, Catherine Cramer. |
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